QUICK action by Essex roads policing officers ensured a digger – which was reported stolen – was returned to its owner after being recovered in Tilbury.

The officers arrested a man on suspicion of theft and driving offences after they spotted a vehicle which was travelling on suspected false plates.

The team saw the vehicle, which had a reported stolen digger on an attached trailer, travelling on the A12 in Chelmsford.

The digger had been reported stolen just after 6am on Sunday, 3 March in Clacton. A tracker was activated and within an hour of the report coming in officers from the Roads Policing Unit were following the vehicle. It was stopped in Tilbury and the suspect was arrested.

The digger was recovered undamaged, and it has now been returned to its owner.

Superintendent Philip Stinger said: "This work demonstrates what our officers are doing every day on our roads.

"Swift action from the Roads Policing Unit ensured this machinery was returned quickly to its owner."

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft and driving offences and has been released on bail.

Police enquiries continue.